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Many South Africans have embraced change, although gaining mastery in pronouncing ‘Gqeberha’ has not been easy for non-Xhosa speakers.
“Most South Africans will take a while to learn to pronounce the new name, especially white South Africans,” Kwena Moabelo, 46, told CNN on Thursday.
“But it is a good measure to keep the indigenous names and languages of South Africa alive,” Moabelo added.
South African Art and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa announced the name change on Wednesday, along with other changes to city names and public infrastructure.
In a statement Thursday, Mthethwa said: “The name needed to be changed as it is part of a government program to transform South Africa’s heritage landscape. The names of the places where we live reflect the identity and cultural heritage of South Africa. the people of South Africa. “
Lwazi Monyetsane, 33, told CNN that the name change was necessary to make the country more inclusive.
“The country must have a historical meaning and relevance that does not glorify a past of oppression … So change the names, as many as you can, so that the black majority of our country finally feels included,” he said.
Responding to concerns that Gqeberha was difficult to pronounce, Monyetsane said, “The beauty of education will solve that. If you allow yourself to learn by being tolerant and respectful, no name should be impossible to pronounce.”
Johannesburg resident Zanele Mahatle suggested that the South African name should also be revised.
“Maybe at some point they will have to change the name of South Africa,” he said. “There are so many things that need to change and be decolonized, from the removal of the statues of apartheid leaders and facilitators to the renaming of the streets,” Mahatle said.
“Having names of streets and buildings in English keeps the names and legacies of our colonizers alive. So, step by step, let’s have a country to represent us,” he added.
